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Products > Philotheca salsolifolia 'Tutu'   Philotheca salsolifolia 'Tutu' - UCSC Koala Blooms Introduction Note: This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.     Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Rutaceae (Citrus) Origin: Australia (Australasia) Flower Color: Pink Bloomtime: Spring/Summer Fragrant Flowers: Yes Synonyms: [P. salsolifolia 'Ballerina', P. australis] Height: 1-2 feet Width: 1-2 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Summer Dry: Yes Deer Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F Philotheca salsolifolia 'Ballerina' - A small shrub to 2 feet tall and wide with open growth and narrow small leaves. The 3/4 inch wide starshaped pinkish-purple flowers appear sporadically throughout the year but primarily spring to summer. The flowers have white hairy filaments that superficially resemble a ballerina's tutu, giving this plant its name. Plant in sun to semi-shade in a very well-draining, preferably acidic soil - difficult to typically find in California but it also makes a great container plant. Irrigate only occasionally - drought tolerant and hardy to medium frost (to about 25 F?). Trim when young to keep plants dense. This plant comes from a wide range over eastern New South Wales and south eastern Queensland where it is found in coastal heath, rocky sites and open forest. The specific epithet "salsolifolia" is in reference to this plant's foliar resemblance to plants in the genus Salsola (a genus in the Salt Bush family that includes the Russian Tumble Weed). This is a 2010 UCSC Koala Blooms Australian Plant Introduction.  The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing  Philotheca salsolifolia 'Tutu'.     [MORE INFO]